Social Networking, Acceptable Use Policies, Netiquette, Cyber Bullying, Student Data, Internet Privacy
Ethical Issues for Safety and Security refers to privacy on the web. Teachers should inform students that without privacy settings, what they post is available for anyone and everyone to see. Controlling who views what they post should be important for students to learn.
Social Networking
Social Networking sites create an online place where users can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past decade, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have escalated in use, and the popularity of these sites has caused parents, teachers, and school officials to worry about the hidden risks students are taking when posting information online. Privacy does not exist online, and young people do not realize this. Teenagers can be lulled into a false sense of security, therefore putting themselves at risk for online predators which can lead to exploitation. Teachers who use these sites need to set a good example for their students.
Teacher recommendations:
-Steer young students away from social networking sites.
-Teachers should not be “friends” or “buddies” with their students online.
-Teachers who use social networking sites should have very strong privacy settings so his or her personal and professional life does not intertwine.
-Teachers who use social networking sites should not post anything online that they would be embarrassed to share with students, parents, and co-workers.
-Teachers should encourage parents to monitor their children’s usage of the Internet and social networking sties.
Acceptable Use Policies
Acceptable Use Policies for Internet Use, or (AUP) were implemented in response to the escalating use of Internet in schools. To confirm that classroom computers are being used in a safe and appropriate way, school officials wrote a contract-like document for teachers, parents, administrators, and students to follow. It most often includes rules, regulations, and consequences. AUP’s are written to provide guidance for teachers and administrators on how to best intertwine school instruction and the use of the Internet.
An AUP should:
1. Serve as a legal document.
2. Be complete.
3. Be adaptable.
4. Be unique to you school.
5. Protect students.
6. Inform parents.
An AUP should include:
1. A description of the instructional philosophies, strategies and goals to be supported by Internet access in schools.
2. An explanation of the availability of computer networks to students and staff members in your school or district.
3. A statement about the educational uses and advantages of the Internet.
4. An explanation of the responsibilities of educators and parents for students' use of the Internet.
5. A code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet.
6. An outline of the consequences of violating the AUP.
7. A description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet.
8. A description of the rights of individuals using the networks in your school/district (such as the right to free speech, right to privacy, and so on).
9. A disclaimer absolving the school district from responsibility, under certain circumstances.
10. An acknowledgement that the AUP complies with provincial and national telecommunication rules and regulations.
11. A form for teachers, parents and students to sign their name, indicating that they agree to abide by the AUP.
(Maryland.gov)
Teacher Recommendations:
1. Teachers should be familiar with the AUP in their school.
2. Teachers should follow the AUP when integrating Internet in their classrooms.
3. Teacher should educate students using websites that are acceptable under the AUP.
Netiquette:
Netiquette, or Internet etiquette is a set of customs to make communicating through the Internet pleasant for everyone. Netiquette helps people courteously communicate through the Internet, and it provides guidelines of how to behave online.
Netiquette is designed to eliminate misunderstandings that are likely to occur when communicating online.
The rules of Netiquette are:
1. Remember the human.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
5. Make yourself look good online.
6. Share expert knowledge.
7. Help keep fame wars under control.
8. Respect other people’s privacy.
9. Don’t abuse your power
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes
(Shea, V.)
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teachers should practice these rules when using the Internet, especially when emailing parents or co-workers.
-Teachers should give these rules to their students and should allow them to practice these rules.
Cyber Bullying:
Don't Be Mean Behind the Screen
Don't Be Fooled, Cyber bullying is Not Cool
Cyber Bullying is defined as a minor being harassed, threatened, tormented, humiliated, targeted, embarrassed, bewildered, bothered, or otherwise bullied via the Internet, interactive technology, or cell phone, by another minor. There are two types of cyber bullying – direct cyber bullying and cyber bullying by proxy. Both types are used to harass another individual via technology. Direct cyber bullying directly attacks minors through messages sent bluntly to the victim. Cyber bullying by proxy gets other individuals involved in the harassment, and this can lead to more dangerous happenings such as injury or even suicide. Bullies have been around for years in schools, but technology takes bullying to a whole new level. Bullies can now bully their victims through technology twenty-four hours a day, making it hard for them to be caught. Cyber bullies can even send their messages anonymously, which can make the victim become distressed and have live in fear. Teachers’ should advise their students against cyber bullying and should introduce the consequences of cyber bullying. Teachers in classrooms of higher grade levels where students would be accessing the Internet everyday should look for signs that their students are being cyber bullied. Some warning signs are:
-Emotional distress after having access to the Internet
-Changes in mood
-Withdrawal from friends
-Slipping grades
-Acting out in class
-Avoidance of School
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teach students the proper way to communicate online.
-Educate students on cyber bullying and the dangers of what could happen.
-Monitor student’s use of Internet while in school
Watch this short video for an example of a direct attack of Cyber Bullying,
Student Data
Student data is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. FERPA is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records, and applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. This data can only be released under certain circumstances - if the data is considered directory information or if the parent of the student has given written consent. Once the child turns eighteen or attends school beyond the high school level, the student is considered “eligible” and is in control of their records. Parents of the eligible students still hold the right o inspect or review their child’s educational records.
“Under FERPA, Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address,
telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.”
(U.S. Department of Education)
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teachers should have explicit parental permission when disclosing any student information or records.
-Teachers should familiarize themselves with the FERPA rules and regulations.
For more information on the policies of FERPA, click the icon.
Internet Privacy
Students today are using the internet for more then just school work. Playing online games, surfing the web, and online shopping is becoming a part of students’ everyday lives, and they are taking advantage of all the web has to offer. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or the COPPA, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, enforces that children under thirteen need parental consent before allowing them to go on their website. Teachers are allowed to act on behalf of the parent during school activities online according to COPPA. Acceptable Use Policies, or AUP’s, go hand in hand with Internet Privacy laws. Educating parents and student about safe Internet use and online privacy are big issues in this day and age. Keeping students safe online is essential because the Internet is becoming a big part of education.
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teacher should help students learn how to keep their information private on the web.
-Teachers should keep their students private by not posting anything on the web about them.
-Teacher should inform parents about AUP’s and Internet privacy rules that are in their school.
Watch this video about the story of a teacher and her experience with Internet privacy.
Ethical Issues for Safety and Security:
Social Networking, Acceptable Use Policies, Netiquette, Cyber Bullying, Student Data, Internet Privacy
Ethical Issues for Safety and Security refers to privacy on the web. Teachers should inform students that without privacy settings, what they post is available for anyone and everyone to see. Controlling who views what they post should be important for students to learn.
Social Networking
Social Networking sites create an online place where users can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past decade, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have escalated in use, and the popularity of these sites has caused parents, teachers, and school officials to worry about the hidden risks students are taking when posting information online. Privacy does not exist online, and young people do not realize this. Teenagers can be lulled into a false sense of security, therefore putting themselves at risk for online predators which can lead to exploitation. Teachers who use these sites need to set a good example for their students.
Teacher recommendations:
-Steer young students away from social networking sites.
-Teachers should not be “friends” or “buddies” with their students online.
-Teachers who use social networking sites should have very strong privacy settings so his or her personal and professional life does not intertwine.
-Teachers who use social networking sites should not post anything online that they would be embarrassed to share with students, parents, and co-workers.
-Teachers should encourage parents to monitor their children’s usage of the Internet and social networking sties.
Acceptable Use Policies
Acceptable Use Policies for Internet Use, or (AUP) were implemented in response to the escalating use of Internet in schools. To confirm that classroom computers are being used in a safe and appropriate way, school officials wrote a contract-like document for teachers, parents, administrators, and students to follow. It most often includes rules, regulations, and consequences. AUP’s are written to provide guidance for teachers and administrators on how to best intertwine school instruction and the use of the Internet.
An AUP should:
1. Serve as a legal document.
2. Be complete.
3. Be adaptable.
4. Be unique to you school.
5. Protect students.
6. Inform parents.
An AUP should include:
1. A description of the instructional philosophies, strategies and goals to be supported by Internet access in schools.
2. An explanation of the availability of computer networks to students and staff members in your school or district.
3. A statement about the educational uses and advantages of the Internet.
4. An explanation of the responsibilities of educators and parents for students' use of the Internet.
5. A code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet.
6. An outline of the consequences of violating the AUP.
7. A description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet.
8. A description of the rights of individuals using the networks in your school/district (such as the right to free speech, right to privacy, and so on).
9. A disclaimer absolving the school district from responsibility, under certain circumstances.
10. An acknowledgement that the AUP complies with provincial and national telecommunication rules and regulations.
11. A form for teachers, parents and students to sign their name, indicating that they agree to abide by the AUP.
(Maryland.gov)
Teacher Recommendations:
1. Teachers should be familiar with the AUP in their school.
2. Teachers should follow the AUP when integrating Internet in their classrooms.
3. Teacher should educate students using websites that are acceptable under the AUP.
Netiquette:
Netiquette, or Internet etiquette is a set of customs to make communicating through the Internet pleasant for everyone. Netiquette helps people courteously communicate through the Internet, and it provides guidelines of how to behave online.
Netiquette is designed to eliminate misunderstandings that are likely to occur when communicating online.
The rules of Netiquette are:
1. Remember the human.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
5. Make yourself look good online.
6. Share expert knowledge.
7. Help keep fame wars under control.
8. Respect other people’s privacy.
9. Don’t abuse your power
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes
(Shea, V.)
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teachers should practice these rules when using the Internet, especially when emailing parents or co-workers.
-Teachers should give these rules to their students and should allow them to practice these rules.
Cyber Bullying:
Don't Be Mean Behind the Screen
Don't Be Fooled, Cyber bullying is Not Cool
Cyber Bullying is defined as a minor being harassed, threatened, tormented, humiliated, targeted, embarrassed, bewildered, bothered, or otherwise bullied via the Internet, interactive technology, or cell phone, by another minor. There are two types of cyber bullying – direct cyber bullying and cyber bullying by proxy. Both types are used to harass another individual via technology. Direct cyber bullying directly attacks minors through messages sent bluntly to the victim. Cyber bullying by proxy gets other individuals involved in the harassment, and this can lead to more dangerous happenings such as injury or even suicide. Bullies have been around for years in schools, but technology takes bullying to a whole new level. Bullies can now bully their victims through technology twenty-four hours a day, making it hard for them to be caught. Cyber bullies can even send their messages anonymously, which can make the victim become distressed and have live in fear. Teachers’ should advise their students against cyber bullying and should introduce the consequences of cyber bullying. Teachers in classrooms of higher grade levels where students would be accessing the Internet everyday should look for signs that their students are being cyber bullied. Some warning signs are:
-Emotional distress after having access to the Internet
-Changes in mood
-Withdrawal from friends
-Slipping grades
-Acting out in class
-Avoidance of School
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teach students the proper way to communicate online.
-Educate students on cyber bullying and the dangers of what could happen.
-Monitor student’s use of Internet while in school
Watch this short video for an example of a direct attack of Cyber Bullying,
Student Data
Student data is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. FERPA is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records, and applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. This data can only be released under certain circumstances - if the data is considered directory information or if the parent of the student has given written consent. Once the child turns eighteen or attends school beyond the high school level, the student is considered “eligible” and is in control of their records. Parents of the eligible students still hold the right o inspect or review their child’s educational records.
“Under FERPA, Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address,
telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.”
(U.S. Department of Education)Teacher Recommendations:
-Teachers should have explicit parental permission when disclosing any student information or records.
-Teachers should familiarize themselves with the FERPA rules and regulations.
For more information on the policies of FERPA, click the icon.
Internet Privacy
Students today are using the internet for more then just school work. Playing online games, surfing the web, and online shopping is becoming a part of students’ everyday lives, and they are taking advantage of all the web has to offer. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or the COPPA, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, enforces that children under thirteen need parental consent before allowing them to go on their website. Teachers are allowed to act on behalf of the parent during school activities online according to COPPA. Acceptable Use Policies, or AUP’s, go hand in hand with Internet Privacy laws. Educating parents and student about safe Internet use and online privacy are big issues in this day and age. Keeping students safe online is essential because the Internet is becoming a big part of education.
Teacher Recommendations:
-Teacher should help students learn how to keep their information private on the web.
-Teachers should keep their students private by not posting anything on the web about them.
-Teacher should inform parents about AUP’s and Internet privacy rules that are in their school.
Watch this video about the story of a teacher and her experience with Internet privacy.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/06/sunday/main7323148.shtml